With a passion for his craft and a determination to succeed, he did just that! In just a few short years he has made a name for himself, not only as a musician but also as a much sought after director, travelling the world doing what he loves. Here he gives us a glimpse into that journey.
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If you were to describe yourself in twenty words what would you most want people to know?
I'm an introvert who talks a lot. I'm low key, shy, and a deep thinker. I over explain everything and I would say I’m a recovering perfectionist.
What were you like in high school?
I was 2 years younger than the majority of my classmates and I was a foreigner so high school kind of sucked! I didn’t have many friends and I didn’t fit in. It was actually the Worst period of my life.
When did you start your career?
I started when I was 18. It wasn't really a career then, it was something I felt needed to do if I was goanna go anywhere with music.
What did you find most difficult when you were starting out in the music business?
I found the actual Irish urban industry challenging because it didn’t really exist then. I think it's only starting to show signs of progress now so you can imagine how it was back then. I learned how to sing and then switched up my sound to something I believed had more mainstream appeal.
How do you feel it could be better for Independent artists?
Right now it feels like the media’s priority is acts with major labels behind them. It would be better for Independent acts if there was more support and it wasn't so difficult to get play listed and such.
What do you think about the Irish Music Scene at the moment?
I believe things are looking up. People are becoming more open minded. There is some interesting new talent popping up on the Irish music scene at the moment. We still have a ridiculously long way to go though. If the UK music scene were a 28-year-old man Ireland would be a toddler.
What do you feel are typical mistakes people making when pursuing a career in music/media?
Not having enough self-belief. Or maybe being over confident, to the point where they ignore obvious red flags that cause them to make mistakes that could have been easily avoided and then not taking responsibility for those mistakes. They blame the industry so they never learn.
What’s next for you?
I recently got out of the management contract I was under for the last few years so I'm just going to have fun for a while. Release whatever I want and not think too much about the outcome. I actually feel like the music I'll be releasing in this period will gain more interest than anything I have done before.
What mistakes do you feel you made?
My biggest mistake was signing to a management company too early. I should have stayed independent for longer and waited until something more suitable came along. I have learned to be more confident about doing things my own way.
Ovié David Williams’s Étseyatsé Interview for Millie On Air Magazine.
At age 18, Ovié David Williams’s Étseyatsé began his career as a singer. He worked hard to carve a niche for himself in the international music scene.
''Believe in yourself but not to a fault. ''